Editing Adrenal cortex (section)

=== Mineralocorticoids ===
{{Main|Mineralocorticoids}}
The primary [[mineralocorticoid]], [[aldosterone]], is produced in the adrenocortical [[zona glomerulosa]] by the action of the enzyme [[aldosterone synthase]] (also known as [[Aldosterone synthase|CYP11B2]]).<ref name="pmid1775135" /><ref name="pmid8333830" /> Aldosterone is largely responsible for the long-term [[regulation of blood pressure]].<ref name="Marieb" /> Aldosterone effects on the [[distal convoluted tubule]] and [[Collecting duct system|collecting duct of the kidney]] where it causes increased reabsorption of sodium and increased excretion of both potassium (by principal cells) and hydrogen ions (by intercalated cells of the collecting duct).<ref name="Marieb" /> Sodium retention is also a response of the distal colon, and sweat glands to aldosterone receptor stimulation. Although sustained production of aldosterone requires persistent [[calcium]] entry through low-voltage activated [[Calcium channel|Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels]], isolated zona glomerulosa cells are considered nonexcitable, with recorded membrane voltages that are too hyperpolarized to permit [[Calcium|Ca<sup>2+</sup>]] channels entry.<ref name="pmid22546854" />